North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has officially proclaimed June 14, 2025, as “Igbo Day”, recognising the community’s vibrant heritage and contributions
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has officially declared June 14, 2025, as “Igbo Day” across the state. This proclamation honours the vibrant Igbo community, whose origins trace back to southeastern Nigeria.
With thousands of Igbo residents, many living in the state for over half a century, this community has become an integral part of North Carolina’s social, economic, and cultural fabric.
In a statement signed by Governor Stein, he highlighted the extensive charitable involvement of Igbos in North Carolina and their significant contributions to the state’s economy.
He noted that they excel in fields such as education, law, medicine, information technology, and the arts, continually enriching communities in countless ways.
The proclamation also recognised the establishment of the non profit Igbo Day Festival Organisation in 2022. This group launched the first Igbo Day Festival on July 10 of that year.
The organisation’s mission is to educate the wider public on Igbo traditions through art, music, language, and communal values, while fostering a strong sense of identity among younger generations.
Beyond cultural preservation, the Igbo community has demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement and philanthropy.
Governor Stein’s statement detailed their volunteer efforts in local schools, support for food pantries, highway clean ups, and participation in outreach initiatives at women’s shelters and hospitals.
The official proclamation read: “WHEREAS, there are thousands of Igbo people in North Carolina, some of whom have lived here for over fifty years. WHEREAS, the Igbos are committed to preserving and promoting their rich cultural heritage from Nigeria. Igbos in North Carolina are encouraged to connect, celebrate, and support one another, fostering a strong sense of unity, bonding, and belonging. WHEREAS, the Igbo community aspires to create an environment where their members thrive, traditions flourish, and their contributions to society are recognised and valued. Through their collective efforts, the Igbo community aims to inspire future generations to embrace their identity and to foster a strong sense of belonging and purpose within North Carolina.”
The proclamation continued by acknowledging the establishment of the Igbo Day Festival Organisation and its vision to be a thriving community that honours and promotes Igbo heritage while serving as a beacon of unity and cultural pride.
It also underscored the community’s economic contributions, participation in elections, and excellence across various professions, including state and federal government roles.
Governor Stein’s statement further emphasised their civic contributions: “WHEREAS they have volunteered in local schools, adopted a highway in North Carolina to aid cleaning efforts, supported women’s shelters and hospitals, organised food pantry drives, and participated in cultural performances at local festivals.”
The Governor concluded by proclaiming, “NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSH STEIN, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2025, as “IGBO DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.”
This formal declaration marks a significant recognition of the Igbo community’s enduring impact and cultural legacy in North Carolina.
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